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Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and local officials recently held a ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on the $97.7 million Interstate 270 interchange at Watkins Mill Road, a project aimed at relieving congestion along one of the state’s busiest roadways.

“As we kick off construction of the new Watkins Mill interchange, we are delivering a much-needed missing link—a new east-west route across I-270 that improves access to the Metropolitan Grove MARC Station and supports the planned growth and economic development in this region,” Hogan says. “We are making sure Maryland will continue to be open for business, and we are helping the citizens of Montgomery County, and people all across the state, go about their daily lives in a faster, more efficient, and safer manner.”

The project connects MD 124 and the Great Seneca Creek crossing near Game Preserve Road in Gaithersburg. The project will include a new four-lane bridge over the interstate and connecting entry and exit ramps; resurfacing the I-270 collector/distributor lanes and a section of Watkins Mill Road; constructing retaining walls; stream restoration; and construction of culverts and drainage structures.

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) says the I-270 Corridor is known as the Technology Corridor. Montgomery County provided $4.9 million for design and engineering on the project.

“I would like to thank Governor Hogan for his attention to I-270, which is not only the ‘spine’ of Montgomery County, but also is the economic engine of the state. Easing congestion on I-270 and nearby roads will improve the quality of life for so many Montgomery County residents that use this highway every day,” says Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett. “Furthermore, improving access to I-270 will make our region more attractive for new and expanding businesses, creating new jobs and new opportunities for our region.”